Dive Into V-Cinema With 'Bullets & Betrayal': Out April 29

Arrow Video is thrilled to announce the release of the V-Cinema Essentials: Bullets & Betrayal, a definitive collection of iconic Japanese crime films, set for release on April 29 in the US and Canada, and April 28 in the UK. This collection brings together nine explosive direct-to-video features from the legendary Toei Studio's V-Cinema line, renowned for pushing the boundaries of genre filmmaking in Japan.

Watch detective Joe Kawamura, portrayed in Crime Hunter: Bullets of Rage, embark on a relentless quest for revenge against the men responsible for his partner's murder, teaming up with a gun-toting nun on the way. Experience the tension of Stranger, where a late-night taxi driver is pursued by an ominous SUV tied to his past, and delve into the chaotic world of yakuza conflicts with Carlos, as a petty criminal gets entangled in power plays far beyond his grasp.

Toshiharu Ikeda’s Female Prisoner Scorpion: Death Threat adds to this outstanding selection, featuring a female assassin infiltrating a women’s prison on the hunt for a legendary inmate known as The Scorpion. Meanwhile, The Hitman: Blood Smells Like Roses escalates the thrill with a vengeful journey of a man losing his fiancé to yakuza warfare. Collecting gems from Japan's vibrant video underworld, this box set offers an exhilarating dive into action-packed narratives filled with intrigue and deception.

High-definition presentations preserve the cinematic quality of each film, accompanied by newly translated English subtitles. Each disc is packed with rich special features including insightful interviews with directors like Shundo Okawa and cinematic historians like Tom Mes. This collection also features exclusive visual essays that delve into themes and narratives uniquely represented by V-Cinema.

Release Contents:

• DISC ONE – CRIME HUNTER: BULLETS OF RAGE / NEO CHINPIRA: ZOOM GOES THE BULLET: Includes new introductions and interviews highlighting these iconic films' contributions.

• DISC TWO – STRANGER / CARLOS: Provides exclusive insights from writers and directors like Shunichi Nagasaki and Kazuhiro Kiuchi.

• DISC THREE – BURNING DOG / FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: DEATH THREAT: Features video essays discussing thematic depths and visual ingenuity.

• DISC FOUR – THE HITMAN: BLOOD SMELLS LIKE ROSES / DANGER POINT: THE ROAD TO HELL: Covers commentary on directorial versatility and storytelling innovation.

• DISC FIVE – XX: BEAUTIFUL HUNTER: Dissects its provocative narrative with fresh critical perspectives.

With its limited edition packaging, exclusive art cards, and a comprehensive illustrated collector's booklet, V-Cinema Essentials: Bullets & Betrayal is an essential acquisition for collectors and film enthusiasts. Don't miss this opportunity to explore a pivotal era of Japanese cinema that transcended traditional filmmaking boundaries.